Disclaimer:
This article is a direct street report from our correspondent and has not been edited by the 1st Responder newsroom.

Posted on 4/3/2018

PROVIDED

Assistant Chief Joseph Gerrato

PROVIDED

Assistant Chief Dominick Labianca

Franklin Square, NY - The Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department responds to over 1,000 fire and medical emergencies in the area each year. The department presently protects an area of about three-square-miles consisting of Franklin Square, Garden City South, and parts of West Hempstead, with a population of approximately 30,000 people. Nearly 104 firefighters currently volunteer, and two have been named Assistant Fire Chiefs for 2018.

Assistant Chief Dominick Labianca and Assistant Chief Joseph Gerrato have been with the Franklin Square & Munson Fire Department for over two decades, both working hard up the ranks. Labianca joined in 1994, and Gerrato in 1997, both natives of Franklin Square. Here is a look at some of the people protecting your neighborhood.

-What made you join? Labianca: “I’ve always been interested in the fire department, since I was a kid, so I joined.” Gerrato: “I actually followed in my older brother’s footsteps and ended up joining after he did.”

-How has the fire service impacted your life? Labianca: “First, it is very rewarding being a part of the Fire Department. I enjoy protecting the town I grew up in and being able to show up on the scene and solve someone else’s problems.” Gerrato: “Being a part of the Fire Department has greatly impacted my life. And because of it, I have gotten more involved in civic and town community groups, and it has also opened the door for certain opportunities like jobs, training, and education.

-Why is it important to you to be involved in your community? Labianca: “I think it’s important to make a positive impact on people’s lives. I am able to help my neighbors when they need it most. I love the town I grew up in and I enjoy protecting it.” Gerrato: “My family has been in this community since the 1920s. I always wanted to help out and make a difference. I want to try to make things better for people when they’re at their worst times or have an emergency.”

-What is your favorite part about working with FS&MFD? Labianca: “My favorite part is the excitement; that feeling you get from helping someone else in need.” Gerrato: “There is a satisfaction in seeing a task or job get completed with a successful outcome. It’s also great seeing how the community pulls together in those times when someone needs help and the comradery.”

-What would you tell someone who is thinking about getting involved in their community and thinking about joining the fire department? Labianca: “I would definitely encourage them to come down and visit us. We have taken people who have never thought about how to put out a fire or put a band-aid on someone to become well-trained firefighters and EMTs. No, it is not paid but the feelings you get from helping people and making a difference in someone’s life; getting that thank you means the world.” Gerrato: “I would definitely tell them that it requires a lot of time and you have to make sure to have your family on board. It is a commitment due to all the training, and that requires many hours a week. Being a volunteer firefighter becomes a second full time job but it’s definitely worth it.”